Also known as the Milky Way, Vialattea is a popular ski area located in the Italian Alps, near the French border. It is one of Europe’s largest interconnected ski resorts, spanning Italy and France. The Italian side includes several well-known ski villages, such as:
- Sestriere – One of the most famous resorts in Vialattea, offering a variety of slopes for different skill levels. It is also known for hosting World Cup ski events and the 2006 Winter Olympics.
- Sauze d’Oulx – Known for its lively après-ski scene and a mix of wooded and open slopes. It attracts a younger crowd and offers a wide range of runs for intermediates.
- Cesana – A smaller, quieter village that connects to other parts of the Vialattea ski area, including Claviere and Sansicario.
- Sansicario – Offers more challenging slopes and a quieter atmosphere, appealing to advanced skiers and families.
- Claviere – Located near the French border, it’s a charming village with good skiing and easy access to the French side of the Vialattea.
The resort also connects to the French ski area of Montgenèvre, providing a vast ski network with over 400 kilometers (about 250 miles) of slopes. Vialattea is popular for its variety of runs, from beginner to expert, and scenic views of the surrounding alpine landscapes.
The 2024/2025 season will see the introduction of an expanded operating schedule, running for 129 days across five months, from Friday 06 December to Sunday 13 April. From 19 October 2024, season passes will be available for purchase, including a new combined Vialattea and Bardo season pass, valid on all slopes in the Vialattea ski area and neighbouring Bardonecchia. Additionally, those who purchase a 6-day Vialattea ski pass will receive a complimentary one-day extension to Bardonecchia. Building on last season’s success, the ticketing system has been upgraded with 7 new state-of-the-art ‘smart points’ across the region, enabling 24/7 automated and independent ski pass purchases.
Those looking to get ahead on their ski pass purchase can enjoy discounted rates until Monday 11 November, with Single Season Passes available for just EUR 900 until this date, and further discounts available for Family Season Passes. Full details of ski pass prices for the season, including daily and weekly passes, are now available on the Vialattea website.
In response to the changing climate, Vialattea has extended 8,900 meters of snowmaking lines in the Alpette – Borgata and Lower Banchetta Sectors, ensuring snow-covered slopes even at lower altitudes. The installation of advanced snow generators will improve ski-ability by enabling faster snow production while reducing energy consumption. This initiative supports Vialattea’s commitment to sustainability, already demonstrated by its use of 100% renewable energy, which cuts CO2 emissions by around 2,900 tonnes annually.
Vialattea’s 2025 season promises an action-packed lineup of events, kicking off in mid-January with the World University Games Winter-Ski Mountaineering. This is followed by the Audi FIS Ski World Cup on February 22-23, where elite athletes will compete in Giant Slalom and Slalom events. From March 10-15, the Special Olympics World Winter Games Alpine Skiing will showcase inspiring athletes an international demonstration of inclusion, acceptance and unity while the Kelemata PL3 Trophy Races (March 22-23) will spotlight the next generation of ski talents. The season will culminate in the 42nd edition of the iconic ‘Uovo d’Oro’ (Golden Egg) on March 29-30, a beloved event for young athletes, marking a thrilling conclusion to the winter sports calendar.
